 |
Thought for the Day
|
As written at
Prasanthi Nilayam
Source: Radio Sai
Global Harmony
Thought for the Day Archive
September 2005
September 1, 2005
No one can describe the
nature of Divine love. It is beyond the reach of even the best of
poets. When one is still neck-deep in the water, one may be able to
say a few words. The one who is completely immersed in the waters of
Divine Love will be unable to speak anything about his experience.
Those who speak about God in the world do so only from a superficial
experience, but those who are wholly saturated with God's love will
find no words to describe their bliss. That is why the Vedas declare
that the Divine is beyond the reach of the mind and speech.
September 2, 2005
Some people entertain
some newfangled ideas about Yoga (spiritual union), Jnana (spiritual
wisdom) and Sanyasa (renunciation). What is true Yoga? Yoga is
control of the vagaries of the mind. It is control of the senses.
One should treat alike both praise and censure, pleasure and pain.
This kind of self-restraint is Yoga. What is Jnana? Advaita
Darshanam Jnaanam (The Vision of the One without a second is the
supreme knowledge). To recognise the Ekatma-bhaava (the feeling that
the same Atma dwells in all beings) is Jnana. True Sanyasa is in the
transformation of one's qualities and not in the change of garb. The
mind must change, not the apparel. A true Sanyaasi (renunciant) is
one who has attained mastery over all his senses and has given up
all desires. He is a Sanyaasi who seeks the feet of the Lord, giving
up all attachments to the body, which is subject to disease and
decay. He must treat life and death, pleasure and pain alike.
September 3, 2005
Health is the
essential prerequisite for success in all aspects of life, and for
realizing the four ideals that guide human life - moral living,
prosperity, fulfilling beneficial desires and liberation from grief.
Man seeks to live happily and peacefully, but happiness and peace
are not won from worldly activities. The body that yearns to be
healthy and secure is subject to disease, decay and death. However,
the Indweller, the Self, within the body is not born nor does it
die. The body is the temple of God. Hence, it is the duty of man to
keep the temple in good condition.
September 4, 2005
Which is the
happiest day in one's life? All are happy days to a person of Jnana
(true knowledge). Happiness is a conscious internal experience which
is an effect of the extinction of all mental and physical desires.
The lesser the desires, the greater is the happiness. Therefore,
perfect happiness consists in the merger of all desires in the
Absolute Being. The mind has no independent identity of its own. It
is a conglomeration of the desires that sprout from the impulses. A
cloth is essentially a bundle of threads. Threads are basically spun
from cotton. Similarly, desires arise from basic impulses, and the
mind is constituted of these desires. Just as a piece of cloth
disintegrates if threads in it are pulled apart, the mind too can be
destroyed by the eradication of desires.
September 5, 2005
Life is an
experience meant to train the individual for a higher, deeper and
more expanded state of existence through the experience of the
results of one's actions. The aim of life is the attainment of
complete perfection by merging in the Absolute. It is dedication to
the Lord that sanctifies all activities. He is the raison d'etre for
all activity; He is the prompter, the executor, the giver of the
required strength and skill, and the enjoyer of the fruits thereof.
So, dedication must come naturally to you, for, all is His and
nothing yours! Your duty is to believe that He is the impeller of
your activities, and draw strength from that belief. Just as a
bandage is necessary to protect the wound until it heals and new
skin grows, so too, until reality is realized, faith, company of the
pious and holy thoughts must be applied to the ego-affected mind.
September 6, 2005
Devotion should
not be confined to the four walls of the shrine-room, or the few
minutes you perform Dhyana (meditation); it is a fulltime Sadhana
(spiritual discipline). Your devotion has to be expressed as worship
of everyone as living embodiments of Divinity. See God in every one,
even in persons whom you regard as your enemies. Practise this
broad, all-embracing Love. How can you derive happiness merely by
showing love and reverence to a stone idol that does not respond or
reflect your feelings? Living beings will return appreciation and
gratitude and wish you well. You can see joy glowing in their faces.
That will confer satisfaction on you. If you cannot teach yourself
to love your fellowmen, how can you follow the path of dedication to
God?
September 7, 2005 - Ganesh Chaturthi
An elephant normally has two tusks. The mind
too frequently comes up with two alternatives: the good and the bad,
the excellent and the expedient, the fact and the fantasy that lures
it away. However, in order to achieve anything, the mind must become
single-pointed. The elephant head of Lord Ganesha, therefore has one
tusk only, and hence Ganesha is called 'Ekadantha' meaning the
single-tusked one, to remind everyone that one must possess
single-pointedness of the mind.
September 8, 2005
Dharma and Jnana
(right conduct and spiritual wisdom) are two eyes given to man to
discover his Divinity. Dharma indicates the right path which every
individual, group or society should follow. Dharma destroys the one
who violates it, and protects the one who protects it. The
scriptures have declared, "Where there is Dharma, there is Victory".
There is no Dharma greater than Truth. The edifice of Dharma is
erected on the foundation of Truth. Nyaya (justice) is an essential
attribute of Dharma. An individual, society or nation shines with
glory only when justice is adhered to. Just as one acquires wealth
by the pursuit of one's profession, one must acquire merit and
Divine Grace by adhering to Neethi (morality) and Dharma.
September 9, 2005
Man has made
tremendous progress in science and technology. But, in the field of
spirituality, he is still unable to rid himself of narrow cynicism,
limited outlook, and the demonic hold of selfishness, pride, envy
and other evil traits. When we examine the basic cause for this
state of affairs, we discover that it is the consequence of egoism
that has struck deep roots in the heart of man. It has reduced man
to the status of a puppet. It pollutes his thoughts, words and
deeds. It directs him to gather and hoard material riches. It does
not allow the Atma (Self) to shine forth. When the veil of egoism is
set aside, the Atma is revealed, Jnana (wisdom) dawns and Ananda
(Bliss) results.
September 10, 2005
We generally consider Pratyaksha Pramaana
(proof of direct perception) as the most important type of evidence.
We are able to see our body and all its parts; however, our mind is
not visible. We are unable to comprehend the Atma (spirit). Anumaana
or inference is another form of proof. We see smoke on the top of a
distant hill. We infer from the smoke that there must be a fire on
that hill. Although we see only the smoke, we infer that there is
fire. To infer the existence of the 'unseen' from the presence of
what is 'seen' is Anumaana Pramaana (inferential proof). But, these
methods of determining facts are applicable only to the external
universe. For determining the Divine Principle, we must depend only
on the Shabdha Pramaana of the Vedas. We believe in the existence of
the Atma on the strength of the statements made by the great sages
who have had the experience of it and who have conveyed it through
their teachings. When the Divine is described as One without
attributes, eternal, pure, free and self-effulgent, this description
will not make the Brahman (God) visible to us. It is only when the
state of Brahman is realised by us that its existence becomes valid.
September 11, 2005
All subjects in
the universe have three characteristics, which are derived from the
Divine. These are Asthi, Bhaathi and Priyam. These qualities are
also otherwise represented by the terms Sath, Chith and Ananda -
Being, Awareness and Bliss. The existence of an object is derived
from 'Asthi'. What it is and how it appears to our eyes, is known
from 'Bhaathi'. That it is a useful or enjoyable object is derived
from the quality of 'Priyam'. While these three are fundamental
qualities, the forms and names may change. For instance, a silver
plate is capable of being converted to some other article. Silver is
fundamental; the value of the article is dependent not on the form
or the name of the article, but on the silver in the article.
September 12, 2005
Sathya or Truth is
realized by the Sadhana (discipline) of the tongue. Dharma
(righteous living) is realized by the Sadhana of the individual
through right conduct in relation to the society. Man can attain
Shanti (equanimity) by discipline of the mind. Prema (love) is
beyond thought, word and deed. To consider it as a manner of speech,
an attitude of mind or as physical trait is to demean it. Love is
God. God is Love. The Divine Love is not easily comprehensible. Love
has no trace of selfishness; it is not led by ulterior motives.
September 13, 2005
Prema (Love)
should be like a mariner's compass. Wherever the compass may be
placed, the needle will point only to the north. Likewise, man's
love, in all circumstances, should be directed towards God. That
alone is true love. It should be unaffected by pleasure or pain. It
makes no difference between 'mine' and 'thine'. Love has to be
acquired only through love and not by any other means whatsoever.
September 14, 2005
The Upanishads declare:
"Raso vai Sah" (God is the essence). This means that God is present
in subtle form everywhere, like sugar in sugarcane and butter in
milk. Although it is difficult to have a direct perception of God,
His presence can be experienced in many ways. The sweetness in
sugar, the sourness in lime fruit, the bitterness of the margosa
leaf, all testify to the presence of the Divine. When you see a
mountain, waterfall or forest, you feel happy. All these proclaim
the presence of the Divine. Light shines, the stars twinkle, the sun
blazes, the planets revolve in their orbits. All these phenomena are
manifestations of the Divine. By understanding the nature of flame,
you can understand the nature of fire. By examining a drop of water,
you come to know the nature of the Ganges. Likewise by understanding
Maanavathvam (the true nature of humanness), you can understand
Daivathvam (Divinity).
September 15, 2005
The Bhagavad Gita does
not intend that you should pluck a leaf or a flower or a fruit from
some plant or tree and place it before God. Nor does it ask you to
bring water from a well or a river or a roadside tap. The Leaf that
you have to offer is your own body, which like the leaf, sprouts
green, fades, and finally falls off from the branch. The Flower is
the heart freed from the pests of lust, anger, greed, attachment,
pride, hate, etc. The Fruit is the mind, the consequence of its
yearnings, which have to be dedicated to God. The Water is the
stream of tears that flow from the eyes when one is in ecstatic
bliss at the contemplation of God's glory. Offering these four is
the real act of Sharanaagathi (total surrender).
September 16, 2005
God is the embodiment of Love. Love is His
nature. Just as God manifests His love in the world, everyone should
manifest his love. Prema (Love) has been described as beyond speech
and mind; it is said to be Anirvachaneeyam (indescribable). This
love cannot be got through scholarship, wealth, or physical powers.
God, who is the embodiment of love, can be attained only through
love, just as the effulgent Sun can be seen only through its own
light. There is nothing more precious in this world than Divine
love. God is Gunaatheetha (beyond all attributes). Hence, His love
also is beyond attributes. But, human love governed by Gunas
(attributes) results in attachment and aversion. Love should not be
based on expectations of reward or return. Love based on such
expectations makes it a business deal. Love is not an article of
commerce. It is not like a lending a loan and getting it back. It is
a spontaneous offering. Pure love of this kind can emanate only from
a pure heart.
September 17, 2005
The Prakrithi
(Creation) we see around us cannot give us happiness. It is changing
from moment to moment. The experiences Prakrithi gives us in the
waking state get obliterated in the dream state, and those of the
dream stage cease when we wake up from the dream. The dream
experiences are our creation. And so also the waking state
experiences! What we see is nothing but our own creation. The
experience of the world is but a projection of our mind and the
reflection of our own inner thoughts. As is the thought, so the
vision. The colour of the glasses you wear determines the colour in
which things appear to you. If you wear red glasses, everything will
appear red. If you wear green glasses, everything will appear green.
Pure thoughts make the world appear as pure. If you view things with
Prema (love), with a loving heart, the whole creation will appear to
you as a reflection of Prema.
September 18, 2005
Mankind has progressed
much in exploiting the material resources of the earth in order to
promote the standard of life. But, he has not learnt the way to
inner peace and contentment. Envy and greed have fouled the
relations between persons and nations, suppressing the awareness of
the Unity that underlies all Creation. The main cause of this
calamitous situation is rank egoism; each one tries to grab for
himself whatever adds to his power and comfort. The mind has desires
as its warp and woof. When desires are ego-oriented, time and effort
are wasted; duty is neglected; the body and its skills are misused.
In order to restore peace to the individual and in society, the mind
has to be purged of its attachment to the self.
September 19, 2005
Believe firmly that the body is the residence
of God, that the food you eat is the offering you make to your
deity; that bathing is the ceremonial bathing of the Divine Spirit
in you; the ground you walk upon is His domain; the joy you derive
is His gift; the grief you experience is His lesson that you tread
the path more carefully. Remember Him at all times; many people
think of God only when grief overtakes them; of course, it is good
to do so; it is better than seeking the help of those who are also
equally liable to grief. But, it is infinitely better to think of
God in grief and in joy, in peace and strife. The proof of rain is
in the wetness of the ground; the proof of Bhakthi (devotion) is in
the Shanti (equanimity) the bhaktha (devotee) has, Shanthi which
protects him against the onslaughts of success and failure, fame and
dishonour, gain and losself.
September 20, 2005
Prema (Love) is what
the individual and the nation must cultivate for progress. Love must
transform all relationships - social, economic, educational,
professional, family, religious and others. The father must love the
child a little more intensely, the mother must spread more love,
children must respect the servants. The sense of equality and the
understanding that everyone is the repository of the divine essence
must transmute social and individual behaviour. What the world needs
today is the redeeming and unifying force of love - love which
continually expands and embraces more and more people. By giving up
narrow ideas regarding one's religion, nation or caste, by
developing a broad outlook and cultivating the company of the good,
you can elevate your 1ife and make it meaningful and satisfying.
September 21, 2005
Prema (Love) is what
the individual and the nation must cultivate for progress. Love must
transform all relationships - social, economic, educational,
professional, family, religious and others. The father must love the
child a little more intensely, the mother must spread more love,
children must respect the servants. The sense of equality and the
understanding that everyone is the repository of the divine essence
must transmute social and individual behaviour. What the world needs
today is the redeeming and unifying force of love - love which
continually expands and embraces more and more people. By giving up
narrow ideas regarding one's religion, nation or caste, by
developing a broad outlook and cultivating the company of the good,
you can elevate your 1ife and make it meaningful and satisfying.
September 22, 2005
The word 'Dharma',
which is really bound up with an infinite variety of meanings, is
regarded in common usage as referring to actions like charity,
performing good deeds, going on pilgrimages and discharging one's
duties, etc. But these relate only to external actions. Dharma is
eternal, the same for everyone, everywhere. It expresses the
significance of the inner Atma. The birth place of Dharma is the
heart. What emanates from the heart as a pure idea, when translated
into action is Dharma. The true Dharma of every human being is to
make every endeavour to realize the Divine; Dharma should lead to
Self-realization.
September 23, 2005
Love is the form of the
Divine. The first impulse that emanated from man was Prema (Divine
love). All other things came thereafter. Every child that is born,
immediately develops love for the mother. Every child tries to
recognize at the outset its mother and father. In the same manner,
every individual should recognise the land of his birth and his
Samskrithi (cultural heritage). One's nation and one's culture
should be revered as one's parents. The nation is one's mother.
One's culture is the father. This profound truth was proclaimed by
Lord Rama when He declared: "Mother and the Motherland are greater
than Heaven itself".
September 24, 2005
Nature is a great
preacher of spiritual truths. Consider, for instance, a tree. It
puts up with heat and rain, summer and winter, and all the harm
inflicted on it. It offers shade and fruits to whoever approaches
it. It has no feelings of hatred or vengeance towards those who
cause injuries to it. It seeks no return from those who benefit from
it. Everyone should learn this lesson in selfless service and
forbearance from the tree. Consider, next, the bird. The lesson it
teaches is self-reliance. A bird perched on the twig of a tree is
not affected by the wild swaying of the twig or the storm which
might blow it off because it relies not on the twig or tree but on
its own wings for its safety. It knows it can always fly away and
save itself. The bird is always happy and carefree, sporting as it
pleases. Birds are not concerned about acquiring things for the
morrow. They are content to make the best of the present, living on
whatever they can get for the day.
September 25, 2005
There are two forms of Love. One binds you to
God. The other binds you to the world. The mind is responsible for
either of these states. The mind can be compared to a lock. If you
turn the key to the right, the lock opens. If you turn the key to
the left, it gets locked. The heart is the key to the lock of the
mind. If you turn the key towards the world, you have attachment and
bondage; when you turn it towards God, you achieve liberation. That
is why, it has been declared that the mind is the cause of human
bondage or liberation. When it is filled with wisdom, it makes a man
a saint. When it is associated with ignorance, it turns into an
agent of death.
September 26, 2005
With faith in the
omnipresence of the Divine, man should engage himself in good deeds,
cherish good thoughts and dedicate his life to good practices. His
words should be words of truth. The ornaments he should wear are the
necklace of truthful speech, the earrings of listening to sacred
lore and the bracelet of charity. Money is of the nature of manure.
Piled up in one place, it pollutes the air. Spread it wide, scatter
it over fields, it rewards you with a bumper harvest. So too, when
money is spent for promoting good works, it yields contentment and
happiness in plenty.
September 27, 2005
Man has in him the capacity to grow into a
pure Divine personality. But, due to ignorance and waywardness, he
has become stunted. He has chained himself to low ideals and so, he
has fallen into fear and grief. The Upanishads exhort man to awaken
and become master of himself - "Utthishtta, jaagratha, praapya
vaaraan nibodhatha!", (Arise, Awake and stop not until the goal is
reached!). Man is overcome by the sleep of ignorance and has
forgotten the true values of life. He is obsessed only with material
progress. Unless he is awakened to the spiritual values of life,
there cannot be any peace and prosperity in the world. Without
spiritual basis, even if men have eyes, they are blind; even if they
have ears, they are deaf; even if intellectually brilliant they are
insane. Spirituality alone confers true vision upon man and makes
him complete.
September 28, 2005
Man is enamoured of
wealth, spouse and children. These obstruct him at each step and act
as handicaps to spiritual advancement. Of course, money is essential
for the process of living and labouring for it cannot be avoided.
But, beyond a limit, riches foul the mind and breed arrogance. They
must be used for good purposes, fostering Dharma (righteousness) and
well-being, and fulfilling one's duties along the Divine path. If
riches are spent for realizing fleeting desires, they can never be
enough and the ego discovers newer and more heinous ways of earning
and spending.
September 29, 2005
You wear coloured
glasses and see everything through those glasses. Correct your
vision; the world will get corrected. Reform yourselves and the
world will get reformed. You create the world of your choice. You
see many, because you seek the many, not the One. Try to subsume the
many in the One - first the family, then the community, the state,
the nation and finally the the world. Thus, progressively march on
towards more and more inclusive loyalties and reach the stage of
universality in thought, word and deed. This is the Sadhana
(spiritual endeavour) of Love, for, Love is expansion. The
individual has to be Universalised and expanded into Vishwaroopa
(the cosmic form of the Divine).
September 30, 2005
Broaden your heart and
make it as magnanimous as that of God Himself. If you look at a
balloon, at first, it is flat. If you go on blowing air into it, it
becomes bigger and bigger, and at one stage it will burst. Though
beginning with the ideas of 'I' and 'mine', if you ultimately move
on to the stage where you realize that "all are mine", "all are
one"; gradually you will become broader in your vision and will
merge in God who is omnipresent. You should recognise the truth that
man's life consists of making the journey from the stage of 'I' to
the stage of 'We'.
|
